USA > Missouri > Dade County > History of Dade County and her people : from the date of the earliest settlements to the present time > Part 57
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Mr. Wheeler is a high-grade farmer and stock man, handling Shropshire sheep, Poland-China hogs, and does some feeding on his present farm.
His farm is improved with fine buildings and orna- mented with a 20-acre grove of native trees for a front yard. This grove is clean and kept as beautiful as a lawn. Altogether, his farm is one of the most attractive and desirable to be found in the county.
In politics Mr. Wheeler is a Democrat, but he has never held or desired a public office. His wife is a mem- ber of the Baptist church. Mr. Wheeler holds member- ship in the Odd Fellow and M. W. A. of Greenfield. When the good roads movement first became dominant in Dade County Mr. Wheeler was one of its prime movers. He was instrumental in building more than three miles of rock road from Greenfield to the Lundsford ford before voting of road bonds was ever dreamed of. Mr. Wheeler has always been a public-spirited citizen, taking great in- terest in every movement and organization, especially among the farmers, which had for its object the better- ment of living conditions in the community.
CHARLES D. WHITE.
One of Dade County's most prominent native sons is Charles D. White of North Sac Township. He was
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born December 2nd, 1862, on the farm that he now owns and upon which he makes his residence. He was the son of Elija and Caroline (Clark) White, both natives of Tennessee, where they were married in June, 1855. Mr. White had come into Dade County in the year 1851, and bought 80 acres of land and entered an adjoining 180, and here he and his wife lived, carrying on general farming and stock raising until he passed away. He died in early life, while his wife lived a number of years longer, and married as her second husband Anderson Fox, by whom she raised a family. She died January 13tlı, 1917, at an advanced age of 85 years. Mr. and Mrs. White were the parents of four children, one of whom died in infancy. Those living are: Nancy, the widow of Harry C. Crisp, and is now living in North Sac Township, directly on the Dade and Cedar County line; John, a farmer of North Sac Township, married as his first wife Emma Fry, and she died leaving two chil- dren, he subsequently marrying Susie Taylor, by whom he has five children; and Charles D., the subject of this sketch.
Charles D. White has always remained at home, or at least on a portion of the original White homestead. He had very little chance for schooling and was taught to work, and to work hard. At the age of 14 he started out for himself. At the time of his father's death he re- ceived 100 acres of good land from his father's estate. On January 18th, 1885, Mr. White married Eliza Dun- can, who was born January 9th, 1869, a daughter of Eli Duncan and Caroline McGurie, his wife, both natives of Tennessee. Mr. and Mrs. White have two fine children, as follows: Myrtle C., born January 1, 1886, and mar- ried Carter Clopton; they are farming in Dade County and have one child, Robert Theopolis, born July 27th, 1916. Jessie, born July 27th, 1887, married Marvin Wil- litt; they are farming in Cedar County and have one child, Charles H., who was born January 27th, 1909.
Charles D. White is a successful farmer and stock man. He has stuck to his original farm as received from
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his father's estate and through the years has prospered exceedingly, and has added to his original holdings, until now he has 219 acres practically in a body. Here he has done considerable improving, having cleared, fenced and cross-fenced, using all hog-tight wire, and this fine place is all in cultivation with the exception of 20 acres of timber. Here in 1912 he built a 90-ton silo, and the same year he erected a fine new barn 38x40, and large sheds and outbuildings. He has a very attractive resi- dence, as well as a new four-room house, on another part of his place, which he built in 1915.
This is one of the fine stock farms of northern Dade County. It is well watered, and here Mr. White handles yearly some 200 head of Poland-China hogs, one car of cattle and other stock.
In politics Mr. White is a Democrat, and has served on the school board for a number of years and also has been road commissioner and constable. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and finer Christian people it is hard to find. Truly, Mr. White is one of the leading citizens, ever ready to help with his time and money in any cause for the good of the county or its people. A big-hearted, broad-minded man is Charley White. He is a booster for good roads and public schools. Was one of the first to become in- terested in the rural telephone. He is a wide-awake, ag- gressive, progressive man.
GEORGE W. WILSON.
Was born in Tennessee on the 24th day of September, 1852, son of Solomon H. and Mary M. (Bell) Wilson. They were both natives of Tennessee and were married there. They were farmers in their native state and came direct to Dade County in 1857 and settled on a partly improved 160 acres a few miles northwest of where Ever- ton now stands. They stayed there about two years, then traded for 270 acres on Lynn Branch, and lived there the remainder of their days. He had retired from active
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business and lived for a while in Everton, but eventually returned to the farm, where he died in 1896. His wife lived until 1906, when she died, also at the farm. There were 15 children in this family, three dying in infancy :
(1) John S., now deceased.
(2) George W., the subject of this sketch.
(3) W. O. (see sketch.)
(4) Dr. C. F., now located in Memphis, Tex.
(5) J. G. (see sketch.)
(6) S. H., now deceased. His widow lives in Ever- ton.
(7) Albert L., lives in Springfield.
(8) Elender Jane, now deceased. Was the wife of Judge John M. Landers.
(9) Eliza Ann, now Mrs. Ewing Carlock.
(10) Mary L., now the wife of W. L. Roark of Aurora, Mo.
(11) Victoria P., now Mrs. J. E. Gyles of Here- ford, Tex.
(12) Veda P., widow of Albert Morris (see sketch).
Solomon H. Wilson was a prominent Democrat, but never held office. He ran for Representative on the Dem- ocratic ticket in 1884, but was defeated. He was a mem- ber of the Presbyterian church, belonged to the Masonic lodge at Dadeville, and served in the militia during the war.
George W. Wilson remained at home until 22 years of age, received his schooling in the country schools of Dade County. He farmed on his own account for about two years, then entered the mining business in the McGee district, after which he entered the mercantile business at the old Cross Roads, one mile northeast of Everton. He remained at this point for five years, then moved his stock to Everton in 1881. He was in company with W. Y Mclemore, who later sold out to J. G. Wilson, after which the business was conducted in the name of Wilson Bros. In 1889 George W. Wilson sold out his interest in the store to his father and brother and started a private bank under the name of "Bank of Everton," which
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he conducted as a private institution for 25 years. In 1914 it became incorporated for $25,000, with George W. Wilson as President; W. Y. McLemore, Vice President; Monte Poindexter, Cashier, and Clarence MeLemore, As- sistant Cashier, who are the officials at the present time. For a number of years this bank was known as the largest private bank in Southwest Missouri, the deposits averaging more than $200,000, and with a total footing in excess of $250,000.
George W. Wilson was married February 15th, 1857, to Miss Fannie McLemore, a native of Dade County, Mis- souri, daughter of Archibald McLemore. They have no children. Mr. Wilson is an extensive farmer as well as a banker. He is the owner of more than 600 acres of farm land, all in Dade County except 91 acres in Law- rence County. He makes a specialty of apple orchards, and his shipments in carload lots run away up into the thousands of bushels.
Mr. Wilson is a public-spirited citizen and has been identified with every movement which has had for its object the betterment of Everton and vicinity. Good roads and good schools have been the special objects of his devotion. In a financial way his value to the community can hardly be estimated. In politics Mr. Wilson is a Democrat, but too busy to seek or hold office. Both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church and active in its benevolences. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, holding membership at Everton. Since the incorporation of the Bank of Everton Mr. Wil- son has found more time for outdoor recreation, which he has taken advantage of, to the great benefit of his health as well as to the betterment of his farming enter- prises. Mr. Wilson is the owner of one of the fine homes in Everton, the comfort of which he enjoys quite as much if not more than the strenuous occupation of mak- ing money.
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WILLIAM OREGON WILSON.
There is no more prominent farmer and citizen in Dade County than W. O. Wilson of Polk Township. He was born in Monroe County, Tennessee, February 4th, 1855, a son of Solomon H. and Mary (Bell) Wilson. Both the Wilsons and Bells were pioneer settlers of Dade County. Solomon Wilson came overland to Dade County in the year 1857. Wm. O., of this review, remained at home until he was 22 years of age, and had the usual experiences of the farmer boy. He first started for him- self on 79 acres of land in Polk Township, which he had bought, and on this he lived for two years, and after im- proving it, sold out and bought 200 acres where he now lives. In the meantime he had married Miss Sallie Car- lock on March 28th, 1877. She is a daughter of L. L. Carlock, who was a very early settler of this county, and of whom a sketch will be found elsewhere in this work. To Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have been born three children, as follows: Lula, born April 4th, 1880, married J. S. Whitaker, a lumber merchant of Walnut Grove, and they have six daughters, namely, Joe, Francis, Helen, Ruth, June, Virginia; James H. Wilson, born May 28th, 1882, is at home and in partnership with his father; Evalyn, born April 2nd, 1885, married Dr. C. A. Rowe of Lamar, Mo., and they have one daughter, Elizabeth, born May 6th, 1916.
When Mr. Wilson first bought his present original farm it was little improved, and he went to work with a will to get it in shape; he had to clear and fence it. He cleared 110 acres and fenced with rails. There was a small log house on the place, and to this he added a frame addition, and here they lived until 1905, when he built a beautiful nine-room residence, modern in every way, including a bathroom and lights. The house is sur- rounded with a fine grove and well-kept lawn, and is one of the beauty spots of the country. Mr. Wilson is one of the largest land owners in the country, for he has greatly prospered with his farming and stock raising. He now has 986 acres of fine land. It lies all in a body
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and comprises an ideal stock ranch. Here Mr. Wilson raises mules and horses, and feeds yearly eight to ten carloads of cattle and some eiglit to ten carloads of hogs. His farm is equipped with four silos, with a ca- pacity of 460 tons. This is one of the busiest places in the country, and truly Mr. Wilson is worthy of the name of being the largest stock farmer in the entire county. Besides farming and stock raising, Mr. Wilson has other large interests. He was one of the organizers of the Citizens' Bank of Walnut, and also of the Bank of Ever- ton, and is a director of the Bank of Everton, and he is a stockholder in the Everton Hardware Company. In politics le is a Democrat, but does not seek or care for office, as his large business interests absorb his time, for, indeed, it takes close application and large business ca- pacity to manage such a large business as Mr. Wilson has, and he is well able to do the job as is amply proven by the appearance of things around him. With all his success in life, Mr. Wilson is not a bit stuck up. He is a pleasant, courteous, Christian gentleman. He and liis wife are members of the Presbyterian church, of which he has been an elder for many years. Mr. Wilson is truly one of our foremost citizens, and can always be relied upon for help in any worthy cause that is for the good of the county and its people. A broad-minded, big- hearted man, he is a booster for good roads and schools, and the type of citizen we need more of.
JAMES G. WILSON.
One of the prominent business men and farmers of Dade County is Jas. G. Wilson, whose name heads this sketch. Mr. Wilson has had an eventful and strenuous life. He is the son of Solomon and Mary (Bell) Wilson, who came to this county in 1857, overland fron Tennes- see. Mr. Wilson was born October 20th, 1860, in Dade County, and remained at home until 22 years of age, at which time he entered the mercantile business with his brothr, Geo. W. Wilson, at Everton, where they opened
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up a general merchandise store, and ran under the firm name of Wilson Brothers, which continued for about ten years, when he sold out to his brother, and then engaged in the merchandise brokerage business at Kansas City under the firm name of Shawgo & Wilson. This business was conducted for ten years, when they closed out, and Mr. Wilson returned to Dade County, and since has been connected with his brother, W. O. Wilson, in the business of stock raising on the large Wilson ranch in Polk Town- ship. Here they carry on one of the largest stock and feeding businesses in the country. A complete sketch of W. O. Wilson and also Geo. W. Wilson, brothers of James G., will be found elsewhere in these pages. Mr. Wilson first married Miss Louise Fyffe, in 1882. She was a native of Dade County, and died leaving two chil- dren, the oldest Mamie, married Charles Brockway, and they live in California and have one child, Charles W .; Clair F. is now living in Kansas, and has a family of four children, as follows: King and Chas. R. are living at home; there were two children, Glasly and Fay, who are deceased. Mr. Wilson married for his second wife Miss Josie Mason, who died leaving one son, Paul, who married Miss Minnie Bowman and is living in Dade County. On March 27th, 1898, Mr. Wilson was again married, to Minnie C. Peterson, who was born July 26th, 1871, in Edgar County, Illinois, and brought by her par- ents to Kansas, where her father was an early settler. Mr. Wilson is now, we hope, settled for good in Dade County, for we need many such broad-minded and indus- trious gentlemen as he. He is a red-hot Democrat and a progressive, hustling business man. Here is hoping that he always remains with us.
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W. S. WILSON.
One of Dade County's most prominent native sons and farmers is W. S. Wilson of Rock Prairie Township. He was born September 24th, 1873, a son of Charles and Martha (Hastings) Wilson. Charles Wilson was born
SHF
CHARLES M. COX AND WIFE. JACOB COX AND WIFE.
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in MeMinn, Tenn., and came to Dade County in 1868, but soon went further west into Kansas, where he took up a claim, and in 1871 traded this for 160 acres of good land in Rock Prairie Township, Dade County, which he cleared and generally improved. In the meantime he had married, in 1869, Miss Martha Hastings, by whom he had one son, W. S., the subject of this sketch. Mrs. Wilson died June 19th, 1878, and Mr. Wilson again married, this time Elizabeth Grisham, but they had no children. Mr. Wilson died January 27th, 1912, and his second wife is still living. He was a Democrat all his life and was in the Civil war, serving in the Confederate army for three years. He was at the Seige of Vicksburg under General Pemberton and was twice captured, and spent some time in prison at Morton, Ind., after a capture. He was a fine Christian gentleman and belonged to the Baptist church.
W. S. Wilson was brought up on the farm and had the usual experiences of the farmer boy, working and attending school. He received a good education and taught school for sixteen years, all in Dade County. De- cember 22nd, 1898, Mr. Wilson married Miss Clara Gris- ham, who was born in Dade County February 22nd, 1875, a daughter of M. H. and Jane (Blakey) Grisham. To Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have been born five children, as follows: Mattie J., born JJanuary 10th, 1901; Nina E., born January 15th, 1904; Thora Maude, born May 2nd, 1908; Charles H., born March 12th, 1911, and William Lawrence, born September 8th, 1913, all at home and enjoying good educational advantages. Mr. Wilson is an up-to-date farmer and uses all modern machinery and methods. His fine farm comprises 300 acres of as good land as can be found in the county. On this place he has a 100-ton silo and handles considerable stock to advantage. In politics Mr. Wilson is a Democrat, but has never sought or cared for office, as his large business interests and fine family receive his undivided attention. Truly, Mr. Wilson is one of our first citizens. He is pro- gressive and is always ready to help in any enterprise
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that is for the good of the county. He is a booster for good roads and a friend of our free public school sys- tem. He is a type of citizen that we need more of, and we are proud to own him as one of our native sons.
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CHARLES WINKLE.
Born in Monroe County, Tennessee, March 18th, 1841, son of Joseph and Mary (Wilson) Winkle, both natives of Tennessee. His father came to Greene County, Mis- souri, in the fall of 1851, and after making one crop they moved to Dade County in 1852 and bought a claim of 80 acres from David Waddell, and later added by pur- chase until he owned 220 acres.
Charles Winkle received 40 acres of land from his father's estate, and purchased 40 acres of the land which his father originally settled. Both his father and mother are now deceased. Joseph Winkle was a Democrat. Charles remained at home until he was 29 years of age, when he married, October 7th, 1869, Sarah Mathews, who was born April 5th, 1848, daughter of James and Mary (Gilles) Mathews, both born in Coffey County, Ten- nessee. The father died in Tennessee and his family moved to Arkansas, and later to Ozark County, Mis- souri, (then to Gasconade County), and finally, in 1866, came to Dade County. They settled near Hoyle Mill. The mother re-married to a man by the name of Alex Brantley, a native of Tennessee.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Winkle never had any chil- dren. However, they have raised several: Nancy D. Brantley from the age of 10 years; she was Mrs. Win- kle's half-sister, and is now Mrs. Henry Saffles. They also raised Hugh and Newt Burlison. They lived with Mr. and Mrs. Winkle until they were married. They have an adopted son, Loda C. Winkle, who married Della Ritchie, and they have one child, Charles Burton, born August 4th, 1909.
Mr. Winkle is a Democrat in polities, and both he and his wife are members of the M. E. church (South.)
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At the breaking out of the Civil war Mr. Winkle enlisted in the Confederate army in Company E, Eighth Regiment, under Clarkson. This enlistment was only for state service. He next enlisted in Company G, Six- teenth Regiment, under Captain Stemmons (afterwards a colonel), and served in General Price's division, Par- son's Brigade. He was wounded in the battle of Prairie Grove, but not seriously, remaining in the fight. Was in the Red River campaign. He served till the end of the war and was discharged at Shreveport, La.
Mr. Winkle is the owner of a fine farm, well im- proved, consisting of 124 acres, good frame house, erected in 1882, with comfortable and commodious outbuildings. He is living in ease and comfort, enjoying the benefits of his industry and frugality of former days.
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JOHN JAMES WINKLE. (Deceased.)
Was born in Monroe County, Tennessee, and died in Dade County, Missouri, February 4th, 1910. He was a son of Joseph and Mary ( Wilson) Winkle, both natives of Tennessee. His father and mother came to Greene County, Missouri, in the fall of 1851, and after farming there one year came to Dade County in 1852, where they settled near Hoyle Mill. He purchased a relinquish- ment on 80 acres of land from David Waddell, and later acquired title to adjoining land, until he owned 220 acres. His father in his life time gave John a 40-acre tract of land as a start in life.
On the 15th day of April, 1870, he was married to Narcissus Catharine Scott, who was born January 29th, 1846, daughter of Emerson Scott.
Mr. and Mrs. Winkle raised seven children. He served in the Confederate army during the Civil war and witnessed many hardships and dangers incident to that service. A complete resume of his service will be re- corded in another part of this history in a sketch written by Lewis Renfro. In politics Mr. Winkle was a Demo-
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crat. Both himself and wife were members of the Cum- berland Presbyterian church. At the time of his death Mr. Winkle was the owner of 169 acres of fine land fairly well improved, upon which Mrs. Winkle still resides.
Mr. Winkle was an industrious man, of frugal habits, and a good citizen. He was a member of the Masonic lodge, in good standing, at the time of his death.
JOSEPH H. WINTER. (Deceased.)
One of Dade County's best known stock men was Joseli H. Winter. He was a man who was business at all times. A man who became one of our most substantial citizens and one whose memory will never die. Mr. Winter was born in Maryland on October 19th, 1844, of English parentage. His father was John Winter and his mother's given name was Ester. Little is available of the records of his parents on either side. That they were of the right stuff is evident in the fact that their son Joseph was a man, every inch of him. He enlisted in the Confederate army, and, while no records are obtain- able, it is known that he served the cause with honor. He first came to Dade County in 1871, after having spent some five years in Iowa getting a start in the world by working out. When he came to Dade he was able to buy 320 acres of land on the prairie west of Lockwood. This he began to improve. He built a house and lived alone. His stock operations were large and his strong will and determination to succeed bore fruit in abun- dance, for at the time of his marriage he had accummi- lated about 1,000 acres of as fine land as lies in Dade County. He married January 1st, 1884, Miss Lucia Bowen, who was born July 27th, 1856, a daughter of Charles and Martha (Cummings) Bowen. Her father was a native of Illinois and her mother was born in Tennessee. They were married in Ilinois and made their home in Iowa, and later were for three years in Polk County, Missouri, when they moved to Dade County,
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where they farmed successfully. To Joseph Winter and wife were born two daughters: Miss Ethel was born July 5th, 1889, and is an accomplished young lady, now re- siding at home with her mother; May was born May 5th, 1894, and married December 3rd, 1915, to Melville Hunt, a farmer of Grant Township, Dade County. Since the death of Joseph II. Winter, which occurred July 26th, 1908, Mrs. Winter has managed the large farming in- terests, and resides in her elegant residence in Grant Township. This fine home was built by Mr. and Mrs. Winter prior to Mr. Winter's death, and it is indeed one of the best residences in the county. The house was built in 1897 and is a modern eight-room dwelling, with bath and large cement porches, and is surrounded by a beautiful grove and well-kept lawn. Mr. Winter was a Democrat in politics and active in the work of his party. He was a fine, broad-gauged man of affairs, and the record of his life so well and profitably spent may well be the inspiration to the young men of our county, for it tells what any man with the right metal and ca- pacity for honesty of purpose and right dealing can accomplish. When Mr. Winter passed from among us he was counted one of our most wealthy citizens, as well as one of our very best from the standpoint of home, county and state.
JOHN W. WOODARD.
The Woodards are among the oldest families of Dade County. John W. Woodard was born in Rock Prairie Township January 3rd, 1860, son of John Wood- ard and Eunice (Jerome) Woodard. His father was a native of Kentucky, while his mother was a native of Ohio. His father was brought to Dade County by the grandfather of John W. in the early 40's from Kentucky and settled north of Everton. The grandfather's name was George J. Woodard. He owned several tracts of land in the vicinity of where Everton now stands, and at the time of his death owned 120 acres one mile south-
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east of Everton. He died at the advanced age of 93 years. He was twice married, his first wife dying some 25 years before his decease. His only children were by his first wife, six in number, two boys and four girls, all deceased. John Woodard, in company with his father, operated a tan yard in the vicinity of where Everton now stands. At the breaking out of the Civil war he joined the Confederate army. He died January 8th, 1864, and his widow married George D. Hunts, from Tennessee. She died December 25th, 1879. John Wood- ard was a democrat, a member of the M. E. church (South), as also was his wife. They raised a family of seven children, all born in Dade County, where they also were married. There are four living. John W. was the fifth child:
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